International Journal of Social Welfare, 22(1), 2013, pp.104-110.
Publisher:
Wiley
... of alternatives to the present approach, which aim to provide support and education to parents, are discussed.
This viewpoint argues that Australian child protection services are based on an error of logical typing in the conceptualisation of the nature of child abuse and neglect. It argues that this has led to an ineffective and dangerous system with an over-reliance on mandatory reporting legislation, a forensic/investigative/prosecutorial model of practice, a risk-averse organisational culture and zero tolerance of any imperfections in parenting practices. Statistics show that there has been a continuous growth in the number of children removed from parental care, indicating that attempts to prevent or reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect have been unsuccessful. Although in most states and territories there have attempts to establish various forms of early intervention or family support services, the system still continues to focus on detection and removal rather than the prevention of child abuse and neglect. No real attempt is made to deal with any of the social factors that are invariably present in cases of abuse and neglect and which, although they are unlikely to be the direct cause of abuse and neglect, do create stressors that make abuse and neglect become more likely. A number of alternatives to the present approach, which aim to provide support and education to parents, are discussed.
Subject terms:
parental skills training, parenting, parents, child abuse, child protection, early intervention, family support;
Child and Youth Services, 32(1), January 2011, pp.9-18.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
It is important that parents of children within the child protection system are dealt with fairly and humanely irrespective of whether there is evidence of child abuse or neglect. However, a large body of international literature about birth parents' negative experience of child protection services exists. This article reviews some of this literature before adding recent Australian materials to it. It argues that the over-reliance on the best interest of the child construct is the base from which these negative experiences emanate. The article suggests that in adopting this construct parents' rights have been removed in favour of children's rights, potentially violating parents' human rights. The article concludes that such an approach lacks balance, as human rights are inalienable and cannot
It is important that parents of children within the child protection system are dealt with fairly and humanely irrespective of whether there is evidence of child abuse or neglect. However, a large body of international literature about birth parents' negative experience of child protection services exists. This article reviews some of this literature before adding recent Australian materials to it. It argues that the over-reliance on the best interest of the child construct is the base from which these negative experiences emanate. The article suggests that in adopting this construct parents' rights have been removed in favour of children's rights, potentially violating parents' human rights. The article concludes that such an approach lacks balance, as human rights are inalienable and cannot be the exclusive property of only one of the two parties.
Subject terms:
human rights, looked after children, parents, risk, child protection, childrens rights;
Australian Social Work, 53(3), September 2000, pp.37-44.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
This article reports the results of a survey of Australian Association of Social workers (AASW) members in relation to their views of parents of emotionally disturbed children. The survey involved a random sample of AASW members. The study was conducted in order to see if there was any similarity in the views of United States (US) and Australian social workers in regard to their view of these parents. The data from the Australian sample using the US providers' Beliefs About Parents (PBAP) instrument did not support the conclusions of the study in the US. This result emphasises the importance of replication studies when transferring measurement instruments from one country to another.
This article reports the results of a survey of Australian Association of Social workers (AASW) members in relation to their views of parents of emotionally disturbed children. The survey involved a random sample of AASW members. The study was conducted in order to see if there was any similarity in the views of United States (US) and Australian social workers in regard to their view of these parents. The data from the Australian sample using the US providers' Beliefs About Parents (PBAP) instrument did not support the conclusions of the study in the US. This result emphasises the importance of replication studies when transferring measurement instruments from one country to another.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, parents, social workers, surveys, young people, attitudes, comparative studies;
Child and Youth Services, 33(2), April 2012, pp.146-157.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Australian citizens expect state and territory governments to protect children from child abuse and neglect. Protecting children from harm is seen as good. This however is not a simple matter. The ultimate act in protecting children is to remove them from parental care. This causes trauma for the child and pain and distress for parents no matter how inadequately they may have been caring for their children. In that respect removing a child from parental care does harm to parents and children. This article explores the paradox of doing harm while doing good. The article has an Australian focus but this issue affects child protection services in many countries. The article includes sections on: children’s and parent’s rights; acknowledging the harm that is done; helping or harming; acknowledging
Australian citizens expect state and territory governments to protect children from child abuse and neglect. Protecting children from harm is seen as good. This however is not a simple matter. The ultimate act in protecting children is to remove them from parental care. This causes trauma for the child and pain and distress for parents no matter how inadequately they may have been caring for their children. In that respect removing a child from parental care does harm to parents and children. This article explores the paradox of doing harm while doing good. The article has an Australian focus but this issue affects child protection services in many countries. The article includes sections on: children’s and parent’s rights; acknowledging the harm that is done; helping or harming; acknowledging the good that is done; and a re-emphasis on balanced practice;
Children and Youth Services Review, 25(7), July 2003, pp.511-533.
Publisher:
Elsevier
Family reunification practice with children entering care due to abuse and neglect associated with parental drug or alcohol misuse poses special problems for professionals. Looks at the evidence about the incidence of drug use by parents of children in care. Reviews the recent family reunification research and confirms the importance of family reunification efforts. Proposes a three-stage model of enhanced reunification practice for use with parents to test the viability of reunification in situations where drug use remains an issue.
Family reunification practice with children entering care due to abuse and neglect associated with parental drug or alcohol misuse poses special problems for professionals. Looks at the evidence about the incidence of drug use by parents of children in care. Reviews the recent family reunification research and confirms the importance of family reunification efforts. Proposes a three-stage model of enhanced reunification practice for use with parents to test the viability of reunification in situations where drug use remains an issue.
Subject terms:
looked after children, models, parents, child abuse, child neglect, drug misuse, families, family reunification;
Child and Youth Care Forum, 25(2), April 1996, pp.101-110.
Publisher:
Springer
This paper raises questions about the appropriate focus for residential group care programmes as they work with parents (including single parents) of children in care. Many programmes, in their efforts to claim status as treatment centres have broadened their range of services and now include therapeutic services for parents, in particular, family therapy. However, there has not been a serious
This paper raises questions about the appropriate focus for residential group care programmes as they work with parents (including single parents) of children in care. Many programmes, in their efforts to claim status as treatment centres have broadened their range of services and now include therapeutic services for parents, in particular, family therapy. However, there has not been a serious examination of whether therapeutic approaches to work with families fit the group care service context. This paper addresses concerns about using family therapy in group care programmes and suggests that parent education and training is a more effective alternative.
Subject terms:
looked after children, parents, treatment, therapeutic communities, therapy and treatment, training, education, family therapy, group therapy, groupwork;